Metal seals vs. rubber seals: pros and cons comparison

Metal seals and rubber seals have their own advantages and disadvantages in different application environments. Choosing the right seal material requires comprehensive consideration of the specific requirements of the application, such as temperature range, pressure, chemical environment, etc. The following is a comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of metal seals relative to rubber seals:

Advantages

1. High temperature resistance

Metal seals: Able to work at extremely high temperatures, usually over 500°C, and even up to 1000°C or more.

Rubber seals: Generally, the high temperature resistance is limited, usually below 200°C, and special high-performance rubbers such as perfluoroether rubber (FFKM) can work at 327°C.

2. Chemical corrosion resistance

Metal seals: Able to resist most chemical corrosion, especially in chemical environments with high temperature and high pressure.

Rubber seals: Generally have good chemical resistance, but may fail in extreme chemical environments, especially high temperature and strong corrosive media.

3. Airtightness

Metal seals: With extremely high airtightness, can provide a sealing effect with almost zero leakage.

Rubber seals: Good airtightness, but may not be as good as metal seals in extreme vacuum and high pressure environments.

4. Mechanical strength

Metal seals: have extremely high mechanical strength and hardness, and can withstand high pressure and mechanical stress.

Rubber seals: have low mechanical strength, are prone to deformation and wear, especially in high-pressure environments.

5. Long-term stability

Metal seals: have excellent long-term stability and reliability in extreme environments.

Rubber seals: have poor long-term stability, especially in high temperature and high chemical corrosion environments, they are prone to aging and failure.

Disadvantages

1. Cost

Metal seals: usually have high costs, complex manufacturing processes, and high material and processing costs.

Rubber seals: have relatively low costs, simple manufacturing processes, and are suitable for mass production.

2. Installation and maintenance

Metal seals: are more complicated to install, require precise processing and assembly, and are difficult to maintain and replace.

Rubber seals: are easy to install, easy to replace and maintain, and are suitable for quick assembly and repair.

3. Flexibility

Metal seals: have poor flexibility and are not easy to adapt to complex shapes and small deformations.

Rubber seals: have good flexibility, can adapt to complex shapes and small deformations, and provide good sealing effects.

4. Energy consumption

Metal seals: Due to the high hardness and friction coefficient, energy consumption may increase.

Rubber seals: Low friction coefficient and less energy consumption.

Conclusion

Metal seals and rubber seals have their own advantages and disadvantages. The choice of which seal should be determined according to the specific application requirements. Metal seals have significant advantages in high temperature resistance, chemical corrosion resistance, air tightness and mechanical strength, and are suitable for applications in extreme environments and high reliability requirements. Rubber seals have advantages in cost, installation and maintenance, flexibility and energy consumption, and are suitable for general industrial and daily applications. In practical applications, it may be necessary to select or combine the two seals according to specific conditions to meet the best performance and economic benefits.

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